SAARC Agriculture Centre Hosts Regional Webinar on Climate Impact on Fisheries

The SAARC Agriculture Centre organised a regional webinar on Tuesday, 10 March, focusing on the challenges faced by marine and freshwater aquaculture in South Asia due to the impacts of climate change.

During the virtual meeting, participating experts emphasised the effects of climate change, adaptation strategies, and the importance of sustainable aquaculture management.

The keynote speakers of the webinar were Dr. Sevandi Jayakody, Chair Professor of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and Dr. B K Das, Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute in Barrackpore, India.

Dr. Das highlighted the impacts of climate change on freshwater aquaculture, including changes in river flow and aquatic habitats, and emphasised the need for sustainable management practices. Dr. Jayakody discussed the risks associated with rising temperatures and extreme weather in marine and coastal aquaculture and stressed the importance of research and regional cooperation.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, said that fisheries and aquatic ecosystems in South Asia are increasingly being affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and changes in water quality are disrupting fish production and the livelihoods of millions of people. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and research to promote climate-resilient aquaculture systems.

The webinar was moderated by Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, Senior Programme Specialist (Fisheries) at the SAARC Agriculture Centre. He highlighted key challenges in South Asian aquaculture, including increasing salinity, climate change impacts, and shifting water flow patterns.

In the closing remarks, Tanvir Ahmed Torofdar, Director (ARD & SDF) at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation. He noted that fisheries are crucial for food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in South Asia and called for stronger collaboration among member states.

At the end of the webinar, participants shared their experiences and stressed the importance of regional coordination and climate-resilient aquaculture management to address the impacts of climate change.

DBTech/AB/EK/OR